The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has once again sparked a storm of controversy in Formula 1, with Max Verstappen and the FIA ​​at the heart of the matter. Jos Verstappen, the four-time world champion’s father, has expressed his surprise and frustration at what he calls the FIA’s “bizarre and extreme” rules. The five-second penalty handed to Max after an incident with Oscar Piastri on the opening lap of the race at the Jeddah Corniche circuit drew fierce criticism from the Verstappen clan. Jos’s comments, echoed by angry Red Bull Racing, focus primarily on the FIA’s lack of communication before the penalty was imposed. Even FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem felt compelled to respond, further inflaming tensions.

The incident occurred at the first corner, where Verstappen, who had started on pole position, was thwarted by an aggressive overtaking attempt by Piastri. The McLaren driver dived down the inside, forcing Verstappen to run wide and cut the chicane to maintain his position. According to the stewards, this gave him a “lasting advantage” as Verstappen did not surrender his position. The five-second penalty, less than the usual ten seconds due to the “mitigating circumstance” on the first lap, cost Verstappen the victory. Piastri took advantage to win, while Verstappen finished second. Jos Verstappen, who followed the race closely, expressed his disbelief to the media: “Why is the FIA ​​staying silent? They should have reminded Max to surrender his position before issuing a penalty. Isn’t that how you run a race?”

Jos’s criticism focuses on the FIA’s procedure. Race control often warns a driver to give up position, as has often happened in previous seasons. This time, no such instruction was given, and the penalty was only imposed after the incident. “It’s bizarre,” said Jos. “Max had no other choice, Piastri gave him no room to maneuver. And then such a penalty without a warning? It’s extreme and unfair.” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko shared this view, highlighting the inconsistent application of the regulations. He pointed out that in the past, the FIA ​​had often given drivers the opportunity to give up position before a penalty was imposed, and the lack of this measure in Jeddah raised questions about race control’s transparency.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded to the criticism at a press conference in Jeddah. He defended the stewards and stressed that the regulations are clear: “If a driver leaves the track and gains an advantage, he must give it back. This has been the case for years, and Max knows it.” Ben Sulayem also pointed to the recent dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, who helped justify the sanction, as a sign that the FIA ​​is taking its responsibilities seriously. Yet his response did not appear to calm things down. Footage of a heated exchange between Ben Sulayem and Verstappen after the race went viral, fueling speculation about a strained relationship between the FIA ​​and the Dutchman.

Jos Verstappen’s frustration reflects broader discontent in Formula 1. Drivers, including Verstappen himself, have previously spoken out against the strict rules on language and behavior, which they say restrict freedom of expression. The punishment in Saudi Arabia has exacerbated these tensions, especially since Verstappen already has eight penalty points on his superlicense. Twelve points will lead to a suspension, and fans feared the FIA ​​would add more. Fortunately for Verstappen, the time penalty was limited, which the stewards attributed to the lack of danger during the incident. However, calls for reform remain louder. Jos Verstappen’s comments, combined with Ben Sulaym’s recent announcement to review the penalty rules, suggest Formula 1 is at a crossroads. The question remains: will the FIA ​​listen or remain silent?